Conservative MPs from across the UK are pledging to reduce their use of harmful single-use plastics for Lent. A group of MPs have agreed to take part in different challenges to cut down on plastics during the 40 days in the run up to Easter in order to raise awareness about the difficulties consumers face in going plastic free in everyday life.
The 41 Conservative MPs include the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, the Business Secretary, Greg Clark, 2 former environment secretaries and 11 other government ministers. Pledges include cutting down on the use of plastic water bottles, using refillable coffee cups, avoiding using plastic cutlery, and buying loose fruit and vegetables free from plastic packaging.
The campaign launches after the Government unveiled its 25 year plan for improving the environment last month, outlining the ways in which government will work with communities and businesses to leave the environment in a better state for future generations.
At the launch, the Prime Minister spoke of one of the great environmental scourgesof our time, as single-use plastics can end up being ingested by dozens of species of marine wildlife and polluting our rivers, seas and oceans. 1 million birds, and over 100,000 other sea mammals and turtles die every year from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste.
The group will be sharing their experiences using social media using the campaign slogan #GiveUpPlasticForLent
After the 40 day challenge, MPs will be inviting plastics manufacturers and businesses to a round table to discuss their experiences and see if more can be done to reduce our reliance on plastic.
Commenting, Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay said:
“It’s great that so many colleagues are taking part in the Give Up Plastic for Lent challenge.”
“If each of us does a small bit to cut down on our single-use plastic then together we can help make a real difference, and become more informed about the plastics debate.”
“I have been pleased to have worked in my capacity as Chairman of the Protect Our Waves All Party Parliamentary Group to highlight the issues faced with the rising tide of plastic waste, and it is good to see fellow Conservative MPs taking this seriously and taking steps to cut down on their use of plastics for Lent.”